What are the guidelines for tipping someone like a beautician who owns his/her own shop?

According to Elizabeth Howell, spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute, the old rule was that the owner didn’t get tipped. However, the rule changes depending on where you are. She said in big cities where haircuts and services are more expensive, it’s OK not to tip, but in smaller markets, that’s not always the case.
“It is a little bit of a gray area,” she said.
She suggested asking the receptionist about the salon’s policy, or asking the owner.